We know her name. We know of her naked ride. We don't know her true story.

We all know the legend of Lady Godiva, who famously rode naked through the streets of Coventry, covered only by her long, flowing hair. So the story goes, she begged her husband Lord Leofric of Mercia to lift a high tax on her people, who would starve if forced to pay. Lord Leofric demanded a forfeit: that Godiva ride naked on horseback through the town. There are various endings to Godiva's ride, that all the people of Coventry closed their doors and refused to look upon their liege lady (except for 'peeping Tom') and that her husband, in remorse, lifted the tax. Naked is an original version of Godiva's tale with a twist that may be closer to the truth: by the end of his life Leofric had fallen deeply in love with Lady Godiva. A tale of legendary courage and extraordinary passion, Naked brings an epic story new voice.

My hand became a shield against the sun. A black shadow appeared, growing larger and larger as each minute passed. The shape drew closer, a spreading swarm across the horizon. I'd have sworn I could hear the drumming of the horses hooves. It was only the sound of my heart pounding as the shadow became more distinct. "There" Edmund pointed. "I can see them" My heartbeat became a gallop.

Again tears started. I brushed them away from my cheek before he could see them. "I've let the enemy inside my gates." "I am inside your gates." A strange twist on Lord Leofric's lips. "And inside them I intend to stay. But enemies..that's not my intention."

And yet the more I know of his body, the less I knew of his mind and heart

Praise

"Redgold's variation on this enticing legend is often lyrical and offers a satisfying blend of history, lore, and romance."(Booklist)

"Breathes new life into the story of the woman who would stop at nothing to protect her land and people." (Romantic Times)

"NAKED delivers far more than the famous ride of Lady Godiva. It's a beautifully woven story of love, loyalty, and the determination of a young woman trying to protect her people and their way of life, no matter the price. Godiva is a wonderfully strong woman in an age of dangerous men, and in NAKED, she certainly meets her match!" (Amalia Carosella, author of HELEN OF SPARTA)

"A wonderful, romantic retelling of the Lady Godiva legend. There is the colorful Anglo-Saxon backdrop, warriors, battles, peacemaking, desire, revenge and love - everything a fan of medieval romance could desire - plus a strong-willed heroin. Written with a lyrical lilt to her prose, Redgold adds realism to the myth and love to the lusty tale, allowing readers a glimpse into what might have been." (RT Book Reviews)

I'm sure most of you have heard of Lady Godiva, just as I have. She went down in history because she rode naked on her horse through her town. If you are like me, you don't know why she rode naked or any of the events leading up to her naked ride. This is back story told eloquently and beautifully by Eliza Redgold. You'll be hooked within the first chapter as this author captures the time period, the historical characters and how they would have acted, as well as providing a concise detail of all the things that happened before Lady Godiva took that famous ride.

Godiva, a Saxon, lived during England's Danish time period. Despite the fact that the king was viewed as a more apt ruler than his Saxon predecessor, the Danes are very much the antagonists in this story. Lord Leofric, the Earl of Mercia is rebuilding his Saxon lands after they have been destroyed by the Danish warrior Thurkill the Tall, while also attempted to prevent the same thing from happening to his neighbors in the Middle Lands, including Godiva's Coventry.

Godiva realizes the best way to defend her newly inherited lands from the invading Danes after her parents have been murdered by Thurkill, is to hurt her childhood best friend Edmund, who had hoped to marry her, and instead marry the powerful Earl of Mercia, a man she barely knows. Godiva is frightened of Lord Leofric, but she also knows he is the one and only man that can save all that her parents left her with, the land of Coventry.

Lady Godiva is impulsive, strong willed and perfectly capable of taking care of herself. Her father taught her how to fight with swords so she is not your typical female that was around in those times. She was brave and wanted to go her own way. There was just one problem, Lord Leofric wouldn't allow it.

Lord Leofric comes off as controlling and selfish. He is trying to save his lands of Mercia from the Danes. He has lost a lot already and still has a lot to lose. He is quiet, and reserved and acts like he won't take less than full control of Coventry and Mercia.

The novel had a steady and eventful plot. In a mystery style, there are clues hinted to through out the story that kept the reader wanting to know more and wanting to read more. All in all, an enjoyable, and well thought out novel.

About the author:

ELIZA REDGOLD is based upon the old, Gaelic meaning of her name, Dr Elizabeth Reid Boyd. English folklore has it that if you help a fairy, you will be rewarded with red gold. She has presented academic papers on women and romance and is a contributor to the forthcoming Encyclopedia of Romance Fiction. As a non-fiction author she is co-author of Body Talk: a Power Guide for Girls and Stay-at-Home Mothers: Dialogues and Debates. She was born in Irvine, Scotland on Marymass Day and currently lives in Australia.

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